Chime mechanism



Oct. zo, 1942e w. G, REX CHIME MECHANISM Filed March 20, 1942 4 SheetswSheet 1 Octu 20, 1942. wfG. HEX 2,299,591

GHIME MECHANISM y Filed March 20, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 En/ew nizza@ WTE/5 Oct. 20, 1942.y w. G. REX 2,299,591

CHIME MECHANISM Filed March 20, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 a carillon of pre-selected chimes.

Patented Oct. 20, 1942 '2399.591 clmm mammals Wgliam George "Adelaide Rex,- Australia BeLSAydney, New South Wales,

or ot one-halt Sydney, New South Wales,

to Catherine Application March, 1942, Serial No. .435,584

In Australia February 2l, 1941 'I'his invention has been devised to provide a mechanism for chiming bells or tuned metallic tubes or the like which mechanism may be set tol operate automatically to ring the Angelus at predetermined times or which mechanism may be set to operate semi-automatically to ring a bell or tuned metallic tube or thev like (a church bell) at regular intervals over a given. period of time or which mechanism may be set to ring The mechanism includes means to amplify the chimes.

The objects of the invention are attained with mechanical and electrical mechanisms arranged together in combination and comprising:

(a) an electrical-switch which for the purpose of ringing the Angelus is a time switch and which for the other functions specified -is an ordinary mechanical switch. A circuit with time control means associated with the respective switches. Current supplied per medium of the switch actuates (b) an amplifying apparatus-including a microphone, one or more loud speakersand (c) an impulsating mechanism to convert current received through (a) into one or a number of impulses at regular or intermittent periods tov actuate (d) a striker mechanism to contact a bell or tuned metallic tube or (e) a plurality of striker mechanisms to each contact bell or tuned metallic tube and a mechanism to distribute the impulses to the several striker mechanisms.

The invention will be described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings wherein Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the layout of the chim- -ing mechanism; Fig. 2 is an elevation of the Atime switch and its associated parts; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the clapper or striking mechanism; Fig. 4 is an elevation thereof partly in section; Fig. 5 is a, perspective view of the impulsator utilized when chiming a carillon; Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view thereof; Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuit for intermittent as well as continuous chiming;` Fig. 8 is a similar view for the chiming of a carillon and Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the amplifier employed with the chime.

Referring to Fig. l, current from the service lead I0 is connected to the time switch by a manually operable switch |2. This time switch is used only in connection with the ringing of the Angelus and is connected electrically by cable I3 to impulsating mechanism located in the casing |4. Impulse currents are conveyed along 'z claims. (Cl. u iu) cable II to a rectier Il from which the converted current passes along vcable i1 to the striker mechanism which includes a magnet I8 adapted to operate the clapper or striker I9. The latter is adapted to impinge against a suspended bell or tuned metallic tube 2l. Sound from the tube 2|I is received by the microphone 2| and is conveyed electrically by wire 22 to an amplifier 25 and loud speaker 28 from which the amplified sound is emitted. 'I'he time switch (see Fig. 2) comprises an electric synchronous clock 2l provided with a twenty-four hour dial 29. 'I'he clock actuating mechanism is not shown. Adjustably mounted upon the clock spindle 3l which supports the rotatable dial 29, are three radial arms 3|. Any other number of arms may be employed, but three are suilicient for the purpose of illustrating the present invention. Each arm 3| projects beyond the peripheral edge 32 of the dial 29, and each arm 3| is provided with a pair of ratchet teeth 33 and 34 with ramp faces 35 and 36, respectively, over which a pawl 3l, on trigger 39, iulcrumed on pin 4I, is adapted to ride, said pawl being held in engagement with said teeth by a spring 31. Said trigger 3l, when actuated as aforesaid, operates the spring tripping lever 4| in a known manner, and this lever, in turn, operates the cam 43 by contacting the horned plate 42 on said cam 43. This cam 43 is adapted to engage with the contact spring 44, whereby the contact 4l can be opened and closed withv a. snap action.

Associated with the time switch I, is a casing 40, in which is contained an electrical circuit having means for controlling the period of operation of the mechanism initially actuated by the time switch. This circuit is depicted in the enclosure shown by the dotted line A in Fig. 7.

Located in the casing I4, is the impulsating mechanism and its accompanying electrical circuit, as depicted in the enclosure shown by the dotted line B in Fig. 7.

Clapper or striking mechanism shown in Figs. 3 and 4, comprises a magnet I8 mounted upon a metal frame 44, on which frame there is provided a pivotally mounted, spring balanced armature 48 which is oscillatable between a pair of oppositely disposed, resilient builers 50.' Each of these buil'ers il may consist of a block of soft rubber which is aillxed to a metal disc 5| mounted on the end of an adjustable screw 52. These buiIers Il act as dampers for the armature 49, whereby metallic sounds are prevented from passing into the microphone. Coil spring 53 which is associated with the armature, has an adjustable tension screw 54. Rigidly securedto the armature 49 at the upper end thereof, is one end of a radial arm 56, to the other end of which is secured a padded ball 51 which is adapted t impinge against the tuned metal tube 20 suspended by means of a card 58 from a suitable supporting hook 59.

In Figs. 5 and 6 is shown the impulsator utilized in conjunction with a carillon chiming mechanism the details of which are depicted in Fig. 8. This impulsator consists of a number of spaced discs 60 of dielectric material, mounted rigidly upon the axle Si, the opposite ends of which are journalled in bearings in the brackets 62. These brackets 62 are mounted upon a base plate 63 of dielectric material. Each disc 30 is provided With a circular row of spaced openings 613 into which pins or pegs 65 are adapted to t and each row of pins or pegs 65 are adapted to operate one of the group of contact springs S6. The number of discs and contacts coincide with the number of bells or tubes forming the carillon. Each set of contact springs 38 is connected to an independent striking mechanism of the type depicted in Figs. 3 and 4. Axle Si is driven by worm gearing 61 from an electric motor 68 and said axle 6| is provided with a pair of cams |35 and |36, the latter having a cam lug |31, as shown in Fig. 5. The function of these cams will be hereinafter described.

The impulsating mechanism contained in casing |4 (enclosed by dotted lines B of Fig. 7) consists of three independent motors 10, 1| and 12. Motors 10 and 12 are termed control motors, while the motor 1| is termed the impulse motor. On the axle 13 of motor 10, there are a pair of cams 14 and 15, while on axle 16 of motor 1|, there are a pair of cams 11 and 18, the latter having thereon a plurality of equally spaced lugs 19. On axle 80 of motor 12, there are three sets of cams 8|, 82 and 83, cam 82 being provided with three short lugs 84 and one long lug 85 and cam 83 being provided with a single lug 86.

In applying the invention to the ringing of the Angelus at requisite hours which, according to custom, are 6 a. m., noon and 6 p. m. daily, the radial arms 3| of the time switch Il are set on the dial 29 to positions which correspond with such hours. As the dial 29 is rotated clockwise and one of the arms 3| reaches the vertical position, the tooth 33 will engage the pawl 38 of the trigger 39 and said pawl will ride up the ramp 35 thereon. After passing over the top of the tooth 33, the pawl will descend rapidly (being pulled by the spring 31), thereby operating the tripping lever 4| which, in turn, actuates the cam 43 through the horned plate 42, thus closing contact 45. Current then passes from lead 81 (see Fig. 7), along wire 88, through closed contact 45, wire 89, closed contact 90, Wire 9|, normally closed contact 92, wire 93, motor 12, to lead 94. Motor 12 is set in motion and cam 8| closes contact 95, whereby current from lead 81 passes through closed contact 95, wire 91, to relay 98, to lead 94. Relay 98 is energized and closes contacts 99 and |00, thereby passing current from wire 89, along wire |0|, closed contact 99, wire |02, to relay |03, thence to lead 94. Relay |03 becoming energized, closes contact |04 and opens contact 90. 'I'he closing of contact |04 allows current from wire 89 to pass through wire |05, through closed contact |04 and through relay |03, whereby said relay is locked up. Simultaneously, current from wire 91 passes through thereby keeping the latter in motion. Opening of contact 90 breaks the electric circuit through the time switch Cam lug 86 on cam 8|, will close contact |08 immediately after the motor 12 is set in motion. Current from lead 81 passes through closed contact |08, wire H0, to relay lli, to lead 94. Relay lli is now energized and contact |12 is closed, so that current passes from wire |19 through closed contact H2, wire H3, to ampliiier 25, whereby the valves in the amplifier become heated before the striking mechanism is set in motion.

closed contact |00, wires |01 and 93. to motor 12, 75

After the contact |08 closes, one of the cam lugs 8G on cam 82 will close contact H5, whereby current will pass through closed contact H5, wire |53, to motor 1|, to lead 94. 'I'his motor 1| is then set in motion, and cam 11 closes contact H1, whereby current from lead 81 passes through the closed contact H1, wires ||8 and H6, to the motor 1|, which motor will continue in motion until contact ||1 is opened. As soon as motor 1| is set in motion, one of the cam lugs on cam 18, 19 will close contact H9 momentarily, whereby an impulse current passes along wire |20 to the rectier I6. The rectified impulse current passes from the rectifier I6, along wire |2| to magnet i8, to earth. Magnet |8 becoming energized, attracts armature 49, whereby the clapper or striker i9 with its ball 51 impinges against the tube 20 once, whereby a single chime note is produced. This single chime note is received by the microphone 2| and is transmitted through the amplier 25 to the loud speaker 26. Each time one of the cam lugs 19 closes the contact 9, a slingle stroke is imparted to the clapper or striker Each of the cam lugs 84 on cam 82 keep the contact ||5 closed for a period of time sufficient to enable the motor 1| to make one complete revolution. During such revolution, the clapper or striker |9 makes three strokes, whereby three single chime notes are given out at the loud speaker 26. As there are three sets of cam lugs 84 adapted to close contact H5, the motor 1| will make three complete revolutions. Consequently, the clapper or striker I9 will make nine strokes, the time period between each set of three strokes being controlled by the spacing of the cam lugs 84. Thus the first part of the Angelus is completed. The remaining portion of the Angelus comprises nine chime notes. Therefore as the cam lug 85 closes the contact H5, such contact H5 will remain closed until the motor 1| has made three complete revolutions, whereby the clapper or striker makes nine successive strokes. Consequently, nine single chime notes are emitted from the loud speaker 26, thereby completing the Angelus. On the opening of contact 95, the current to the motor 12 is automatically cut-o and relay becomes de-energized, thereby rendering the apparatus inoperative. When the pawl 38 of trigger 39 has passed up the ramp 36 of tooth 34 and, passing over said tooth, operates the tripping lever 4| moving it to the position shown by dotted lines thereby actuating the cam 43 to withdraw it from engagement with the contact spring 44. contact 45 is opened and relay 98 is de-energized.

In order to make a continuous succession of chime notes, a push button switch |23 (Fig. 7) is operated in place of the time switch I, whereupon current from lead 81 passes along wire |24 to motor 10 setting it in motion. Simultaneously, however, current passes from wire |24, to shunt wire |25, to relay |26, to lead 94. Relay |26 becoming energized, opens contact 82, whereby the f circuit to the motor 12 is broken, thus rendering the Angelus circuit inoperative. Contact |21 is, however, closed, whereby current from lead 81 passes through contact |21, wires |28 and 0, to relay I I I, which energizes and closes contact H2, thus enabling current to pass to the amplifier 25 for the purpose of heating the valves therein as before described.

When the motor is set in motion, the cam 16 closes contact |30, whereby current from lead 81 passes through the contact |30 and wire |8| to shunt wire |25, thence torelay |26 which becomes locked up, and current passes also along wire |25 to motor 10, whereby said motor is kept in action after the push button switch |23 has been released. As the motor 10 is set in motion, cam 14 closes contact |32, whereby current from lead 81 p asses through the contact |32 to wires |33 and II6, to impulse motor 1 I, whereupon the latter is thereby set in motion and remains in motion so long as contact |32 is closed. Meanwhile, the cam lugs 18 on cam 18 will close and open the contact I|9 in succession, whereby impulse currents are transmitted to the magnet |8. Continuous chime notes are emitted from the loud speaker 26 while the contact |32 remains closed. On opening of such contact |32, the motor 10 and 1I cease to rotate and relays II| and |26 will thus become (1e-energized.

To produce a carillon effect, the pins or pegs 65 are arranged in the various circular rows of openings 64 in the discs 60 ina predetermined formation according to the sound effect to be produced. The push-button switch |38 is operated (see Fig. 8) and current from lead 81 passes to motor 68 (Fig. 5), to lead 84, thus setting the motor in operation. Simultaneously, current will pass into relay |26 (Fig. 8), to lead 84. Relay |26 is thus energized and opens contact 92, whereby the Angelus circuit is automatically cutout, if such Angelus circuit is coupled with the carillon circuit. Contact |40 is closed by cam lug |81 before any other of the. contacts are closed. Closing of contact |40 allows current from lead 81 to pass through contact |40 to wires I4| and I|0, to relay III, to lead 84. Relay III becoming energized, closes contact ||2 enabling the current to pass along wire I I3 to amplifier 25 for the heating of the valves therein as before described. Cam now closes contact |43, and relay |26 having been previously energized, contact |44 is closed. Current from lead 81 passes along wire |46, closed contact |44, wire |45, through closed contact |43 to the motor 68, whereby the latter is kept in motion. As\ the push button switch |38 will be in open position, the relay |26 is locked up.

As the discs 60 are rotated, the pins or pegs 65 will close contacts |48 by contacting with the contact springs 66 in predetermined order. Impulse currents are conveyed through the wires |50 to rectiflers |6 and then to magnets 8, whereby the clappers or strikers I8 are operated.

The individual sounds produced on the metallic tubes 20 are each conveyed to the microphone.

When the motor 68 has made one revolution, the contact |43 opens, whereby the motor 68 stops and relays and |26 become de-energized, whereupon the apparatus is rendered inoperative.

In Fig. 9 of the accompanying drawings, the circuits and apparatus within or comprising the amplifier 25 are diagrammatically illustrated. In this figure, the amplifier is represented as a simple, single stage amplifier employing a simple triode coupled to the microphone 2| and loudspeaker 26 by means of transformers. It will be understood, however, that the amplifier may comprise any desired number of stages and that any known or conventional form of interstage coupling may be employed. Furthermore, the tube or tubes employed may be of any known or conventional form. In Fig. 9, a conventional power supply for the microphone and ampliner circuits is supplied with energy by way of conductor ||3 and relay contacts ||2. The voltages for the microphone and tube circuits are derived from the power supply in well known manner.

I claim:

1. A chime system comprising electrically operable chime means, control means operatively connected to said chime means for controlling the operation thereof, a microphone positioned to receive sounds emitted by said chime means, an amplier connected to said microphone and including a vacuum tube having a. heating element therein, a sound reproducer connected to said amplier, supply means for energizing the heating element of said vacuum tube, and means operatively connected to said control means and to said supply means to energize said supply means before and during the operation of said chime means.

2. A chime system comprising electrically operable chime means, a source of electrical energy, control means operatively connected to said chime means for controlling the operation thereof and for supplying energy from said source to said chime means at selected times, a microphone positioned to receive sounds emitted by said chime means, a normally deenergized amplifier connected to said microphone and including a vacuum tube having a heating element therein. a sound reproducer connected to said amplifier, and means operatively connected to said control means and to said supply means to energize said supply means before and during the operation of said chime means.

3. A chime system comprising electrically operable chime means, means for supplying current impulses to said chime means in predetermined sequence, control means operatively connected to said chime means for controlling the operation thereof and for controlling said impulse supply means, a microphone positioned to receive sounds emitted by said chime means, an amplifier connected to said microphone and including a vacuum tube having a heating element therein, a sound reproducer connected to said ampliner, supply means for energizing the heating element of said vacuum tube, and means operatively connected to said control means and to said supply means to energize said supply means before and during the operation of said chime means.

4. A chime system comprising electrically operable chime means, means for supplying current impulses to said chime means in predetermined sequence, timing means for actuating said impulse supply means at predetermined intervals, a microphone positioned to receive sounds emitted by said chime means an ampliner connected to said microphone and including a vacuum tube having a heating element therein, a sound reproducer connected to said ampliner, supply means for energizing the heating element of said vacuum tube, and means operatively connected to said timing means and to said supply means to energize said supply means before and during the operation of said chime means.

5. A chime system comprising electrically operable chime means, control means operable through a cycle for supplying predetermined impulses to said chime means, means for initiating operation oi said impulse supply menas, almicrophone positioned to receive sounds emitted by said chime means, a normally deenersized ampliiier connected to said microphone and including a vacuum tube having a heating element therein, a sound reproducen connected to,.said amplier, supply means for energizing the heating element of said vacuum tube, and means operatively connected to said control means andto seid supply means to energize said supply means before and during the operation of said chime means.

6. In a chime system, an electrically operable chime device, means operable through a cycle for supplying a predetermined succession of im pulses to said device, timing means for initiating operation oi' said rst named means at predetermined times, a microphone positioned to receive sounds emitted by said chime device, s normally deenergized smplier connected to said micro= phone and including a vacuum tube having a heating element therein, a sound reproducer connected to said amplifier, supply means i'orener gizing the heating element of snid vacuum tube. and means operatively connected to said timing means and to seid supnly ineens to energize said supply means before and during the operation of said chime menne. y

7. In a chime system, s plurality oi electrically operable chime devices, means operable through a cycle for supplying impulses in predetermined sequence to said devices, control means for initiating operation of said first named means. a microphone positioned to receive sounds emitted by said chime device, a normally deenergized ampliner connected to said microphone and including s vacuum tube having e heating element therein, a sound. reproduces connected to said amplifier, supply means for energizing the heating element oi said vacuum tube, and means operatively connected to said control means and to said supply menus w energizesaid supply means before and during the operation oi said chime menne.

WHMAM GEORGE Rm. 

